COUDERSPORT – Three people were recently accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in Potter County court.

William T. Greenwood, 21, of Galeton, was accepted into the ARD program on April 25. Greenwood was arrested on charges of DUI and Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in January of this year. Greenwood is required to participate in the ARD program for 12 months. Greenwood received new and unrelated charges the day before his sentencing.

Kelsey L. Nelson, 19, of Kane, was accepted into the ARD program on April 25. Nelson was arrested in March for possessing a small amount of marijuana for personal use and related drug paraphernalia. Nelson is required to participate in the ARD program for 12 months.

Rosalie G. Bennett, 50, of Shinglehouse, was accepted into the ARD program on April 25. Bennett was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking and Receiving Stolen Property in February of this year. She will be required to participate in the ARD program for 9 months.

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a means to accelerate the court process in criminal cases such as first offense DUI’s that would not jeopardize the general public’s safety if the defendant were allowed back on the streets. While participating in ARD, defendants are supervised by the probation department and must adhere to probation guidelines, as well as any court orders imposed. If a defendant fails to complete the program, they may be subject to defend themselves against all original charges.